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Cats – Ringworm FACTSHEET
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What is ringworm, and what causes it? Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. Because the lesions are often circular, it was once thought to be caused by a worm curling up in the tissue. However, there is no truth to that; it has nothing to do with a worm. There are four fungal species affecting cats which can cause the disease that we call ringworm. These may also affect dogs and humans.
The fungi live in hair follicles and cause the hair shafts to break off at the skin line. This usually results in round patches of hair loss, with noticeable scales. As the fungus multiplies, the lesions may become irregularly shaped and spread over the cat's body.
How long does it take to get it? The incubation period is 10-12 days. This means that the exposure to the fungus and thus, the actual infection occurs 10-12 days before any lesions occur.
How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis is made in one of 3 ways:
How is it transmitted? Transmission occurs by direct contact between infected and non-infected individuals. It may be passed from dogs to cats and vice versa. It may also be passed from dogs or cats to people and vice versa. If your child has ringworm, he or she may have gotten it from your pet or from another child at school. Adult humans usually are resistant to infection unless there is a break in the skin (such as a scratch), but children are quite susceptible.
If you or your family members have suspicious skin lesions, check with your family physician.
Transmission may also occur from the infected environment. The fungal spores may live in bedding or carpet for several months. They may be killed with a dilution of chlorine bleach and water (1 pint of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water) (500 ml in 4 liters) where it is feasible to use it.
How is it treated? There are several means of treatment. The specific method or methods chosen for your cat will depend on the severity of the infection, how many pets are involved, if there are children in the household, and how difficult it will be to disinfect your pets' environment.
What should I expect from treatment? Treatment will not produce immediate results. The areas of hair loss will get larger before they begin to get smaller. Within 1-2 weeks the hair loss should stop, there should be no new areas of hair loss, and the crusty appearance of the skin should subside and the skin look more normal. If any of these do not occur within two weeks, your veterinarian should see your cat again.
How long will my cat be contagious? Infected pets remain contagious for about 3 weeks if aggressive treatment is used. Contagion will last longer if only minimal measures are taken of if you are not faithful with the prescribed approach. Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats and to your family members is recommended during this period.
I have heard that some cats are never cured. Is this true? When treatment is completed, ringworm should be cured. Although a carrier state can exist, this usually occurs because treatment is not long enough, or aggressive enough, or because there is some underlying disease compromising the immune system.
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